Nebraska Mountain Lion Hunting Season for 2019 Up for Debate

A proposed mountain lion hunting season has caused some controversy in Nebraska.

According to the Associated Press, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission set a public hearing for June 22 at Mid-Plains Community College in Ogallala.

The 2019 season would allow hunters to harvest up to eight mountain lions in two designated areas. The designated areas lie within the Pine Ridge region of northwest Nebraska.

According to state biologists, the mountain lion population grew to 59 kittens and adults last year. The last time a hunting season for mountain lions commenced in Nebraska in 2014, officials only counted 33 lions.

While many landowners and farmers advocate for mountain lion hunting due to the loss of pets and calves, several oppose the season. In fact, Sen. Ernie Chambers, of Omaha, is one who wants to prevent mountain the season from happening.